PFDs & Cold Water Survival
Death due to falls overboard is a primary killer of fishermen in BC. BC’s waters are COLD! (Our waters are generally lower than 15° C.)
Reflexive GASPING FOR AIR is part of the initial Cold Shock Response – if you are under water, guess what you’re breathing in!
Wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) helps get YOUR MOUTH well above water – it can take a FEW MINUTES to get your breathing under control.
The FACTS DON’T LIE: Over 50% of drownings occur due to the Cold Shock response
WorkSafeBC’s regulations for PFDs
TC SSB - Inspection and maintenance
of inflatable lifejackets and pfds
See how to rearm your Mustang PFD
Surviving cold water is possible!
Here’s a useful poster with tips for all on board
Turning the Tide: PFDs in the Fishing Industry
In an open and honest fashion this video from WorkSafeBC explores the first-hand stories of individuals touched by tragedy and near-tragedy while working out on the water.
In this video, we hear the story of two commercial fishermen whose boat capsized while fishing, one sport fisherman who fell overboard while guiding guests at sea, and a young commercial fisherman who died when he fell overboard. In each case, wearing a PFD could have changed the outcome of these events.
How long would you last without a PFD? Real Fishermen find out.
